(Cape Town, 15 April 2017) Olympic marathoner
Lungile Gongqa took a comfortable win in the 2017 Old Mutual Two Oceans
Marathon, crossing the finish line in 03:09:43 and becoming the first
Capetonian since 1973 to take the Ultra title.

Gongqa, running his first Ultra Marathon in Nedbank colours, was part of the
lead bunch from the start, but broke away after the 47km mark - and again at
52km - to ultimately outpace Maxed Elite Lesotho athletes Warinyane Lebopo (2nd
in 03:10:21) and Teboho Sello (3rd in 03:11:48) to the finish line.

In the women's race, Belarusian Maryna Damantsevich had a convincing lead by
the half marathon mark, and set the pace early on after a mishap at the start
convinced her she had fallen behind. She finished her race with a 10-minute
lead.

"Someone bumped into me at the start and I fell a few times. I thought I
was in second place, but couldn't find the woman in front of me, so I ran
faster to catch up," Damantsevich explained via coach Anatoliy Bychkov.

"I am very happy about my win, and I loved everything about the
race."

Jenna Challenor had a strong maiden Ultra, and finished second in a time of
03:47:32. Tanith Maxwell followed in third place, finishing in 03:55:42.

The women's race was left wide open after a hamstring injury brought defending
champ Caroline Wöstmann's race to an abrupt end at the 11km mark.

In the Half Marathon men’s race, Namakoe Nkhasi successfully defended his title
and set a new OMTOM Half Marathon course record in a time of 01:03:15, beating
Khoarahlane Seutlaoli (1:03:45) in second place, and David Manja
(1:04:19) in third place.

Nkhasi was ecstatic about his record-setting win and added that not even the
windy conditions could keep his eyes off the prize.

In the women’s race, Irvette van Zyl reclaimed her Half Marathon title in a
time of 01:13:53. Nolene Conrad arrived at the finish line about 30 seconds
later finishing in second place (01:14:27), while Louisa Leballo came third
(01:15:00).

“This is a very special race, despite the tough conditions” said Van Zyl.
"The wind provided quite a challenge, but I am so happy to come back and
take the win.”

After a few days of rain, the 2017 edition of the world’s most beautiful
marathon dawned to a cool and windy morning with the promise of clear skies.
Although there was a stiff breeze along parts of the route, runners described
the day's conditions as great for running.

“Today was about embracing what the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon really is
about - a celebration of running and runners. The #RunAsOne spirit was palpable
at the start, along the route, and at the finish, we always love to witness how
one event can unite people from all cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.”
said Carol Vosloo, general manager of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC.

“We also implemented our #GOGREEN waste management plan this weekend,
coupled with our anti-littering campaign. We are still waiting on feedback from
our feeding stations, but we are excited to see the non-organic litter
discarded into the Throw Zones being transformed into at least 500 school desks
for needy schools in and around Cape Town.”

"Today was another incredible day of racing at the Old Mutual Two Oceans
Marathon," said Karen Thomas, Old Mutual Head of Brand. "Every year I
can't wait to see what the world's best athletes will achieve at the world's
most beautiful marathon, and this has been another occasion where their prowess
has blown me away. I'm sure everyone who witnessed the race on television and
the supporters along the route will agree. Congratulations to both of today's
worthy winners."

"A highlight of the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon is that you get to see
world class runners in action and get to watch everyday runners tackle the same
route," added Thomas. "This is what makes the Two Oceans Marathon
special; it's an event that caters not only to all level of runner, but also
one where everyone is cheered on wildly by the crowds. Old Mutual is proud to
be associated with a race that makes so many people feel so special."

Medical Overview
According to race doctor, Dr Adrian Rotunno, the medical tent didn’t see too
many trauma incidents, which can be attributed to favourable running
conditions.

“Some of the most common medical issues included mild dehydration, and a few
incidents of exercise-associated postural hypotension where only the simple
treatment with lower limb elevation was necessary. Cramping was another
complaint as the day progressed.”

Old Mutual R1-million Bonus Stands
Title Sponsor Old Mutual’s R1-million prize bonus to the male and female runner
breaking the Ultra Marathon records remains safe, as the 1988 and 1989 records
established by Thompson Magawana (03:03:44) and Frith van der Merwe (03:30:36)
respectively, continue to stand.